Teenagers with alleged links to notorious Apex gang apply for bail

Two accused members of the Apex gang who were allegedly mentored by a ringleader to rob jewellery stores have applied for bail.

Akon Mawien and Maker Mayouem are accused of storming a Sydney Road jewellery store on July 7 armed with sledgehammers, taking off with more than $200,000 in loot, before following up with another raid on a store in the city 90 minutes later.

The court was told the pair has been involved in other violent outbursts, including punching a woman on public transport, and was allegedly mentored by an older man linked to an organised crime syndicate, 19-year-old Mahmoud Taha.

Mr Taha is accused of supplying the tools used by the teenagers in the heists.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Fontana said teenagers involved in aggravated burglaries around Melbourne could be involved in “crime syndicates”.

“Some of the young offenders that are being coordinated by these organised crime groups are being lured with cash – the sort of money they’ve never had before,” Commissioner Fontana said.

“We’ve seen that with people involved with reconverting or stripping luxury vehicles for parts. They’re taking advantage of these kids, making them do the dirty work for them.”

Taha is also charged with three other armed robbery offences, as well as two counts of handling stolen goods, four counts of stealing a motor vehicle, three counts of burglary and numerous traffic offences.

Outside court, supporters of Mawien and Mayouem denied the pair was recruited.

“They’re not the type of guys to do that, they’re good people,” one supporter told 9NEWS.

The prosecution opposed the bail application, claiming the pair’s offending “is serious and brazen… and regularly puts members of the community at risk”.

The bail decision will be made before a judge on Monday.

Their appearance comes as a separate group of teenagers were arrested and charged over a string of aggravated burglaries and an attempted robbery in Melbourne’s east and south-east yesterday, causing the lockdown of two schools.